“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” ~ Howard Thurman

‎”The artist who takes up revolution will quickly realize that creation and revolution are inseparable entities!” ~ Pablo Picasso

On May 1st, 2012, everyone in New York who leaves their house or looks out their window will see public art as part of an historic MayDay celebration. Here is one project underway, with details about where you can see them and how you can participate in their creation. It’s in collaboration with Occupy Wall Street.

What is it? Workshops and performances: How do you create a toolkit for revolution? We need techniques to effectively dramatize our message in a creative, inspirational way into the American Spring. Beginning with a survey on the history of political street theater and using the techniques of Ariane Mnouchkine and the Théâtre du Soleil*, Helen E. Richardson** will lead a workshop based upon the theme: “How the 99% Keeps the 1% in Business.” We all know that in this inter-connected world that we live in we are all (especially as Americans) supporting an unjust and repressive system. Attendees will begin by working with traditional Balinese masks in the creation of various Commedia style scenarios to develop a relevant contemporary theatrical language that can be used at protests. Participants are asked to wear black pants or legging and a white long-sleeved T-shit. The goal of the workshop is to create a short scenario as part of Occupy Wall Street’s May 1st call for a general strike, that supports the “day without the 99%”, towards effective political action.

*The Theatre du Soleil is a world renowned Paris-based international theatre company, established in 1964, creating new works and revisiting the classics. They were a seminal community of theater artists during the Paris uprisings of 1968. Their process includes ensemble creations and training in mask work.